Since 1991, Calle Ocho, located in the heart of Little Havana in Miami, has boasted a star dedicated to Celia Cruz, a significant tribute that her fans recall today on social media. "Celia the day she received her star on Calle Ocho in Miami," posted an Instagram profile dedicated to honoring the musical legacy of the Queen of Salsa, alongside an image of the moment the artist received her well-deserved recognition.
José Manuel Hernández Duarte commented on the post, saying, "I have an immense treasure, a replica of that star, which Pedro Knight placed on the lapel of my jacket in 1998 in Lanzarote. During a performance by Celia, it was marvelous and unforgettable."
Similarly, a person named Alberto Ignacio Álvarez expressed, "The greatest thing Cuba has ever given. Celia unforgettable." A young woman also noted, "The most deserved star," implying that the tribute gained more significance by being located in the heart of Little Havana, where the artist was loved, while in her native country she was censored and rejected.
However, this wasn't the only honor Celia Cruz received throughout her career, as highlighted in the biography on her website. The city of Hollywood awarded the Queen of Salsa her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1987. She also received similar honors in other star-studded walks, such as in San José, Costa Rica, and at the Plaza Galería in Mexico City.
Before Miami repeated a similar gesture, in 1990, the city named Calle Ocho "Celia Cruz Way." Then, in 1991, it awarded her the star.
The salsa icon received the highest honor the United States bestows on the arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, from then-President Bill Clinton at the White House in 1994. Additionally, she was awarded honorary doctorates from Yale University in 1989 and the University of Florida in 1992.
Last Friday saw the release of the album "Celia Cruz En Vivo: 100 Años de Azúcar," a commemorative compilation dedicated to the centenary of the Queen of Salsa, featuring nine unreleased tracks recorded live in Miami during 1986 and 1987.
This new LP includes iconic hits such as "Quimbara," "Bemba Colorá," "La Dicha Mía," and "Tu Voz," but in "totally unreleased versions restored and remastered by Grammy-winning engineer Pedro 'Waldy D' Domínguez," according to Celia Cruz's Instagram profile.
The album, available on all digital platforms and in physical format on the artist's website, was produced by Loud And Live Studios and curated by Nelson Albareda, Omer Pardillo-Cid, and Albertico Rodríguez.
Celia Cruz's Honors and Legacy
Here are some commonly asked questions about the honors and legacy of Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa.
When did Celia Cruz receive her star on Calle Ocho in Miami?
Celia Cruz received her star on Calle Ocho in Miami in 1991.
What other significant honors did Celia Cruz receive in her career?
Celia Cruz received numerous honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1987, the National Endowment for the Arts from President Bill Clinton in 1994, and honorary doctorates from Yale University and the University of Florida.
What is the latest release dedicated to Celia Cruz?
The latest release is the album "Celia Cruz En Vivo: 100 Años de Azúcar," a compilation dedicated to her centenary, featuring nine previously unreleased tracks recorded live in Miami during 1986 and 1987.